Our Summer Court Dinner this year was held on the14th of July, Bastille Day – that most important dayof national celebration for France. It was with adelightful sense of amused irony, and not a little

pride, that even this most Francophile of Englishmen admiredthe portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Bronté andFreeman of the Drapers’ Company, hanging in the anteroomoutside the Livery Hall of Drapers’ Hall. And what a splendidHall is the Drapers’! It is built in an elegant Georgian style and

is replete with beautiful portraits. The masterpiece must be theportrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Sergei Pavlenko, hung inthe Court Dining Room and commissioned in 1998 to celebratethe 50th anniversary of Her Majesty’s election to the Freedomof the Drapers’ Company. This is in good company, as theLivery Hall has many royal portraits, notably of Kings William III,George III and George IV.One of the most beautiful of Livery Halls, this was a perfect

setting for the evening. There is always a sense of joy andcelebration at the Summer Court Dinner. The company is enfête; it seems rather like our annual party, as wives, husbandsand partners join us for a cheerful evening, carried out with theFruiterers’ usual great style.Our principal guest this year was the Rt. Hon. Michael Jack.

Known to many of us as the President of the Marden Fruit ShowSociety, which organises the annual National Fruit Show.Michael Jack, for many years a Member of Parliament, servedas a Government Minister, most notably in the Ministry forAgriculture, Fisheries and Food (oh for the days whenGovernment Ministries had such sensible descriptive names.What does the “Department for Rural Affairs” actually mean?).He spoke interestingly of his time in Government. The Master,in his usual eloquent style spoke of, and thanked, the manymembers of the Livery who contribute so much time to ouraffairs.The Master made an excellent choice of menu and wine. The

wines chosen had those two essential qualities appreciated byall of us: They were delicious and they flowed copiously!

1

Thurs 8 Sept Tree Planting Garden of the Year Castle Howard

Mon 3 Oct Election of Lord Mayor Guildhall

Wed 12 Oct 12.30 p.m. Carvery Luncheon Butchers’ Hall

Wed 19 & 20 Oct National Fruit Show Detling

Fri 21 Oct Presentation of Fruit to the Lord Mansion House MayorLuncheon Guildhall

Thurs 10 Nov Master & Wardens Dinner Barber-Surgeons Hall

Sat 12 Nov Lord Mayor’s Show City(Company not participating)

Wed 25 Jan St. Paul’s Day Service St. Mary Abchurch

Mon 13 Feb Annual Banquet Mansion House

Wed 15 Feb City Food Lecture Guildhall

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Master & Lesley with Michael Jack

Number 71 August 2011NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

The Fruiterers’ CompanyThe Fruiterers’ Company

SUMMER COURT DINNERAT THE DRAPERS

Master & Wardens

A Loving Cup

2

It was a privilege to be at Mount Ephraim for Master’s Dayon 16th June. This attractive, Edwardian country house liesamid the estate that has been the Dawes family home for300 years. Apart from the fact that it has been acomfortable residence in which to raise families it has alsobeen and remains a successful, working agricultural unit.

Our Master and Lesley were hosts for a day that was divided intotwo; half of which is covered in the Master’s Reflections (seepages 8/9) a visit to Thanet Earth. For the other 50% we spent aglorious interlude at the East Kent residence viewing the gardens,production areas and being treated to a wonderful lunch in themagnificent dining room that has witnessed generations of theDawes family taking repast. But circumstances conspired tomake the day a little tricky. First, the event proved so popular thatit was oversubscribed resulting in a waiting list in case ofcancellation; secondly the weather forecast was not good withtorrential rains being forecast and thirdly, road works in theimmediate area to the estate required deviations. Thanks to theefforts of our Master and the Clerk, arrangements andcontingencies were communicated efficiently. As a result, allarrived on time to be greeted by the Master and Lesley withwelcoming refreshments. The gardens extend over approximately ten acres and are

terraced against a backcloth of stunning Kent countryside.Features include unusual topiary amongst an atmosphere oftranquillity and charm. Laid out in the early 1900s, they fell intoneglect but were lovingly restored by our Master’s Father &Mother, Bill & Mary, from the 1950s onwards and have neverbeen professionally maintained. Bill died in 1982 leaving Mary incharge until she passed away in 2009 at the grand age of 93.These days Lesley is responsible for maintaining the gardens withthe help of two full time gardeners and occasional part timehelpers. One feature, planted in 2004 is the ‘Mizmaze’, based onthe medieval idea of nine circuit labyrinths of raised turf pathsused by monks for exercise and meditation. Rather than beingflanked by bare earth Lesley has planted grasses and herbaceousplants that blend more sympathetically into the landscape. Theidea was originally conceived and planned by Mary, known as Miz,the work being continued by Lesley.Mount Ephraim is also the venue for a number of events

throughout the year including open air theatrical productions,Apple Sunday & Plant Fair, Fireworks and a Wedding Fayre. Manyhappy couples have been married and have spent their weddingbreakfasts in the house and gardens. Our day on the Master’s home territory was extremely pleasant

and relaxed. As well as the gardens we also had an opportunity toview some of the working side of the estate, with the cherry treesweighed down with delicious fruits. In his address, he thanked hisson William who had helped with the arrangements and who nowresides in the family home, thus ensuring the continuity of thiswonderful corner in the Garden of England, under the Dawesstewardship.

Welcome refreshments on arrival

MASTER’S DAY

The new Country Tie was on display

Our Master with some of his excellent cherries

Lunch in the Dawes dining room Fruiterers in the Cherry Orchard

3

HONORARY ARCHIVIST

Joseph Nathaniel Lyons was born on 29th December 1847 in Southwark, London, of humble origins. Hewas educated at the Jewish Borough School, Kennington and showed a great passion for the arts. Hisworking life began as an apprentice to an optician inventing a device called the chromatic stereoscope. As apainter of water colours he exhibited at the Royal Institute as an author wrote detective stories, sometimes incollaboration with others. In his youth he composed music hall sketches and songs which he sold at thePavilion Theatre, Whitechapel. It was here that he met Sarah Pysche Cohen who he married on 24th August,1881. Admission to the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers occurred in 1895. He had immense energy andwas a self made business man and showed particular skills in catering. Extremely active in the Territorial Armyit was he who introduced athletics into the organisation’s training curriculum. In 1911 he was knighted for hismessing arrangements in the TA. Joseph Lyons became the first Chairman of his company in 1894 andremained a director until his retirement in 1917, during which time turnover increased dramatically anddividends to shareholders remained consistently high. He died on June 22nd 1917, aged 69 years.

Ralph Slazenger Moss was born at Lymm, Cheshire in 1845 and was the eldest of twelve children of JosephSlazenger Moss, a tailor with shops in Warrington and Lancashire. His parents were both prominent membersof the Jewish community in the Manchester area. He was educated at Manchester grammar school until heentered his father’s business as an apprentice in 1859. After his father’s death in 1872, Ralph along with hisbrothers Isaac and Albert, oversaw the continued expansion of the business importing goods and openingfactories in Manchester and Paris. Moving to London in 1885, the forty year old started a new business at 56Cannon Street, manufacturing India rubber goods for middle-class sports. Apart from being a commercialmove it also represented a change in the man’s life. There was a break with his regional and religious rootsrenouncing Judaism and shortening his surname to Slazenger. In 1890 he married a wealthy widow, JaneStokes, of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Slazenger’s business grew rapidly as he manufactured balls and otherequipment for the games of lawn tennis and golf. There was a scandal involving one of his manager’s in abribery allegation in 1905 but the enterprise continued to flourish. Having moved largely from manual tomachine manufacture the company was floated on the stock exchange in 1910. Profits soared and two otherbrothers became engaged in the business. With increasing prosperity came greater involvement in thecorporate life of the City of London. He became a member of the Spectacle-Makers, Shipwrights, Gardeners,Fruiterers, Loriners and Makers of Playing Cards livery companies as well as Master of the Needlemakers.Elected to Common Council for Dowgate Ward in May 1903 and appointed Sheriff of London in 1909 butwas defeated in an election for Alderman. Ralph Slazenger was a great philanthropist and a very keensportsman. He died at his Kensington home on 24th October 1910 and was cremated at Putney Vale threedays later.

Sir Joseph Lyons

It was a pleasure to be back at the Vintners’Hall for our Audit Court Dinner. There were103 at table, (72 Fruiterers and 31 guests),who were treated to some excellent fareand interesting speeches. Principal guests

included Miles Templeman (Director General,Institute of Directors), W F Balch, (Master TheWorshipful Company of Farmers), Col D EKing, (Clerk, The Worshipful Company ofFarmers) and Maj S Marcham, MBE, (GeneralManager, Vintners’ Company). Our Master reported that the audited

accounts had been presented at the CourtMeeting and were in a satisfactory state. Hespoke of the charitable activities undertaken bythe Fruiterers and the livery movement ingeneral. The Awards Council was responsiblefor allocating funds to causes that had beenjudged worthwhile by the group that includessome high powered academics andhorticultural authorities. He itemised some ofthe projects that had been given backingincluding one involving honey bee research andother orchard pollinating insects. This is animportant project that may produce valuableresults. Grants have been made to bursaries,travel expenses, Fruit Focus and the Royal Bathand West Show. Diners were reminded of the

valuable services performed by the HonoraryAssistants, four of whom depart after a tenureof two years and four who commence theirduties at the Audit Court. Miles Templeman gave an interesting

personal appraisal of business and governmentattitudes to commercial enterprises in what is aflat economic environment. He believed thatsentiment was positive with unemployment nothaving increased and training expenditurebeing maintained. The coalition and the PrimeMinister (described as a big issue politician)were bringing a fresh approach to issues suchas the way in which Britain was falling behindthe rest of the world in education. He revealedthat 40% of students in the UK leave education

at the age of 16 with few prospects of gainingmeaningful employment. Government, hebelieved, was falling down on planning citing asan example its approach to nuclear energy. Itwas not reducing regulation and does not seebusiness in the round. So many aspects impacton small businesses acting as retardants todevelopment and economic growth. Focus has to be given on how to make Britain anattractive place for investment. He concludedby saying that private business energises thepositive aspects but government is not doingthe same – yet!

AUDIT COURT DINNER AT THE VINTERS’ HALL

Master & Wardens with Master Farmer

Miles Templeman the principal guest

In this edition of the Newsletter our Honorary Archivist Peter Cooper has researched details of the lives of two Fruiterers who havebecome household names through their activities and branded merchandise.

Ralph Slazenger

4

As the summer draws to a close, the keyquestion around the world is whereis growth going to comefrom? To say it has been aturbulent few months

for the global economy would be an understatement. Financialmarkets have witnessedincreased uncertainty,heightened volatility andgrowing risk aversion.Latest events are not

the start of a newfinancial crisis but are acontinuation of theone that began threeyears ago. Therehave been a numberof triggers for thislatest phase,particularlyconcerns about theslow pace ofrecovery in the US,worries about abreak-up of theeuro and doubtsabout the ability ofwesterngovernments to get theirhigh levels of debt under control.Recent events have highlighted

some immediate risks. These includethe increased possibility of a double-diprecession in the US. Normally a double-dipwould be triggered by an external shock, a policymistake or a loss of confidence. Trouble is America hasjust had all three, hence the nervousness about the USeconomic outlook.The other big risk is a crisis in the euro area because one or

more countries have to leave. The euro needs the wealthy coreeconomies, led by Germany, to help out the weaker countries onthe periphery. Therein lays the challenge. There are doubtsabout whether there is the money or the political commitmentto keep bailing out countries.What does all this mean for the UK? Despite problems, the

world economy is recovering and is still likely to grow at a steadypace. Yet, it is far from a boom. This is because there are twostrong underlying and offsetting global forces at work.One driver, which is a worry, is the weak recovery in the west.

This is the legacy of the debt overhang. At this summer’sMansion House speech, Bank of England Governor Mervyn Kingsaid he felt the UK was half-way through a seven yearadjustment. He is probably right, and his comments could easilybe applied to many other countries.The other global driver makes me positive about the outlook.

This is the strength of the emerging world, led by China, whichis driving the world economy. Now, as never before, we are moredependent on what happens on the other side of the globe.All this makes life challenging for the UK. For a start, our

biggest trading partners are in Europe and the US. The UKneeds to become more global in its outlook, selling into the fastgrowing economies of Asia, and elsewhere. That takes time, andwe also will be up against fierce competition.Another challenge is that strong demand from China could

push oil, food and commodity prices higher again next year.Many commodities have eased in price recently on the back ofa global slowdown. But there is no guarantee this will besustained. UK import prices may head higher next year.

In the face of uncertainty the UK has been able toretain the confidence of international investors.

This is because of a tough stance by theChancellor, as he tries to bring thedeficit under control, and the Bankof England’s decision to keepinterest rates low. Not only dowe need to retain internationalconfidence but we also needto boost confidence athome, encouragingdomestic spending.Confidence is key!There are plenty ofpeople and large firmswith the ability tospend. Firms,however, may bereluctant to invest ifthey expect demandto be sluggish.Perhaps most

attention in thecoming monthswill focus on the“spending cuts”.Of course,governmentspending is still

rising; it is the rate ofincrease that is slowing. Also, it is

not just about the amount ofgovernment spending, the issue is also

about where the money goes and how it isfinanced. There are big cuts in some

departments, reflecting the government’s desire toprotect spending on both the NHS and on overseas aid.

According to this year’s Budget, the Government will spend£710 billion.Trouble is the areas that are for the long-term good of the

country do not receive enough. Education, at £89 billion maysound high, but as a proportion of overall government spendingUN data shows we rank 75th in the world. Defence spending, at£40 billion also seems too low given the conflicts our politicianskeep committing the country to. There are other examples. Thebig problem is both the large size of the UK’s social spending billand low productivity across the public sector. Both of theseissues need to be addressed.The government needs to find room to spend more on

necessary areas, with itself or the private sector filling the gap.For instance, there is a housing shortage and big gaps to fill inour infrastructure.A key focus for the City in coming months will be the need for

the UK to generate domestic-led growth, positioning theeconomy for future strength and prosperity.

(Written by Dr Gerard Lyons; a Liveryman, HonoraryAssistant and Chief Economist at Standard Chartered Bank)

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5

When David Bryant, the Newsletter’s correspondent wasinterviewed recently, there was an even more positive attitudeemanating from the high street greengrocer who always paintsa buoyant picture. Since our last conversation three monthshad elapsed. During that period there has been a fairly stable

market for most fruit and vegetables with a steady consumer demand for mostproducts. Quality has been good and there were no availability issues todiscuss.For a smallish outlet a lot of variety is displayed on free flow systems. Eight

different types of potatoes are stocked all of which have a particular niche andfollowing. Jersey Royals have enjoyed a first class season finishing during thefirst week of August. Others such as Cyprus new potatoes, bakers, andchippers all have a following and it is necessary to provide the completespectrum to succeed with a category. The supply of carrots has passed withoutpause from one origin to the next with English coming to the market more orless on time. There was a slight hiccup at one stage in the availability ofparsnips which sounds odd, but this root vegetable has a following amongcertain consumers twelve months a year.Sweet corn has been sold at two heads for £1, a line that has moved well.

Quality was reported as very good. Onions, brassicas, courgettes, peas, beans,mange tout all grown domestically have been plentiful and reasonably priced.Tomatoes have been available in abundance and cheap. Standard, cherry,

plum, beef, yellow and several different types of vine present the shopper witha bewildering choice. Other salad commodities are at the height of seasonalityand all have sold well. David expressed admiration for English beetroot growersand said that their crop is “the best ever”! He spoke of two trends that he had noticed from sales. Demand for organic

fruit and veg was declining and local restaurant owners and farm shopproprietors had been coming to him increasingly for supplies.Fruit sales have remained buoyant. Grape supplies were now coming from

the Mediterranean countries with three colours of seedless and the vestigialseeded, Red Globe featuring. With the advent of the European apple seasonsouthern hemisphere stocks are declining rapidly. The English season is earlyand Discovery sold well since the last week in July. It was reported that the mostpopular varieties based on volume throughput have been Gala, Braeburn,Granny Smith and Pink Lady. Demand for Golden Delicious appears to be indecline from our retailer’s experience. Bramley have been a steady trade andthe move into the new season was described as seamless.Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to stone fruit at this time of

the year. English plums and greengages are supplemented by continentalgages. Peaches and nectarines have been of first class quality and there hasbeen a noticeable increase in interest for the ‘doughnut’ varieties. Apricots havenot been cheap but have superb flavour.Berry sales, as always, have been weather related but the British strawberry

and raspberry supplies have been uninterrupted and impressive.Banana prices have yo-yoed in the last three months but quality has been

maintained. Citrus sales remained steady as did those of Kiwifruits andcurrants.The very bright, warm April weather got the gardening season off to a fast

start. Plant sales erupted with every type showing growth from the previousyear. Peculiarly, there has been a disease that affected Bizzie Lizzies specificallyduring 2011, creating much wastage. Our contact was extremelycomplimentary about his local, English growers who supply magnificent plants.They have a distinct advantage because of the compost and fertiliser they usein the pots. Our correspondent rues the fact that there are not more localhorticulturists. Many well established firms were family concerns. In a numberof instances a generation has opted out and the continuity is lost forever. “Our cut flower and floristry business continues to flourish” says David “with

new contracts coming from corporate events, weddings and funerals”. “Theshop’s increasing reputation as a purveyor of good quality, long life, vasedbunches and fresh flowers is satisfying” he reflects, “particularly as we have putso much effort into the enterprise”. “There is an increasing demand for flowersof the right quality, presented in an attractive way at a sensible price” far betterone concludes than the dispirited examples seen at garages and other outlets!!“I’m over retirement age but every day something crops up that creates newinterest – and I love it” he concludes. “Why chuck it in when there is so muchexcitement”?

FROM THEHIGH STREETVIEW

Tomatoes are cheap and available in many formats

English Plums in abundance

Interest in sweet Donut peaches is increasing

Garden plants have sold very well

6

In many ways the back end of2010 and the spring of 2011provided English apple growerswith a text book start for a memorable season. Theprotracted sub-zero temperatures

of November and December, a verycold spell, resulted in fruit treesentering a period of completedormancy. When temperatures startedto climb from the third week of March,leading to one of the warmest Aprils onrecord, fruit trees exploded withamazing displays of blossom. Highambient temperatures created an idealenvironment for pollinating insectswhich discharged their duties effectivelyresulting in an excellent set. Severefrosts during the early days of Mayknocked out some orchards and it isstill a little early to be precise on howthe crop of dessert apples has beeninfluenced. Regrettably, it is possible toforecast more accurately how pearsand Bramleys have been affected.Estimates suggest that both have beenreduced by 15% when compared to thedomestic crops of these categoriesfrom a year ago. A subsequent periodof low rainfall in June created moreconsternation but the droughteventually broke and precipitation hasbeen adequate in most regions forsizing to develop. The season is twoweeks early and in some areas slightlymore advanced.When compared with 2010 the Cox

crop will be down by about 5% bringingit more in line with the proportion thatthe variety should represent of the totalproduction of English eating apples.Gala will show a rise of 14% which willencourage growers, marketers andretailers. An increase of 30% is forecastfor Braeburn (+20 % when comparedto 2009). This takes the production to anew level and the early season will resultin the variety being available beforeChristmas, even taking into account thetime that is required to season the fruitin cold storage. Also encouraging is the15% increase in the estimatedproduction of the ‘new’ varieties.The industry is steeling itself to supply

the domestic market with apples fromweek 30 to week 20 (2012) withincreasing penetration and marketshare. Prospects look good as theoverall European crop is down on 2010(back to 2009 levels) and there is not a

Braeburn - another record English Crop

Cox - crop coming more in line with demand

FROM ORCHARD TO MARKETTOP FRUIT NEWS

Jazz - gaining in popularity

English pear crop will be down this year

significant carry over of southernhemisphere stocks. Frost damage hasravaged grade outs in certaincontinental countries but juicing pricesremain buoyant.Last season saw tremendous

competition between Tesco and JS tobe the top retailer for English applesand in the final analysis it was so closethat even English Apple and Pearsexecutives announced a dead heat.Other supermarkets, (Wm Morrison,Waitrose and M&S) performedadmirably with domestic fruit and theonly ones that fell short of theircategory market share with thedomestic crop were ASDA, Co-op andthe discounters according to marketresearch information supplied by EAPs.There has been a very heavy pre-

season PR campaign with the pressbeing kept alert to the fact that it willearly and heavy. Appearances andannouncements have been made byindustry representatives on numerousradio and TV stations. A speciallyprepared film has been released andthe cumulative effect is estimated tohave reached 150million and to beworth £2m in advertising values for amere fraction of that sum.The Bramley season finished on time

although stock was tight at the end. Atrickle of fruit from the new crop startedin early August. Prospects haveimproved and producers are lookingforward to more rewarding returns.Magners, one of the substantial ciderproducers, has been reported to havereduced stock. This should have apositive affect on this year’s prices. It issobering to consider that values for newseason Discovery have been higherthan the prevailing market values forBramley.Portents of good returns for the

mainstream varieties of English dessertapples appear to be based on fairlyreliable economic forecasting models.The momentum that has been createdover the last half decade, will hopefullybuild in strength resulting in balancesheets that will allow continuedinvestment in planting, facilities andinfrastructure taking domesticproduction to new heights of marketshare – and who knows – to a level thatwill allow an export programme. Watchthis space!!

7

Following a very dry, warm April and some prettysevere wind and rain in Scotland that createdhavoc in certain soft fruit production units,there was a degree of apprehension regardingthe outcome of the UK berry season. Ourcorrespondent reports however, that it has

been a reasonably good year for the industry overall. There willbe, as there always are, some growers who will look back on2011 with some remorse. But overall there will be more cheerthan fear. Strawberry yields are slightly down and it has notbeen a “classic season”. Availability of fruit commenced twoweeks ahead of normal, a trend that was sustained throughthe peaks. Scottish berries were shorter in supply from thesecond week of June until early August when availability ofdomestic strawberries reached high levels. Promotionalactivities were strengthened and will continue throughSeptember. As the Newsletter goes to press it is still a littleearly to give a precise diagnosis of the season but there ishope that the improved returns will be maintained. English Raspberry production was up on 2010 with some

of the newer varieties performing well under the prevailingclimatic conditions. Robust promotional activity during lateJune and July assisted with the peaks. By early August packweights were adjusted to normal for the remainder of theseason. Some of the premium raspberry sales were affectedby prices being offered on mainstream cultivars. Overall, UKgrowers will hopefully realise returns that will enablereinvestment in their facilities and production. SpanishBlueberries finished on a high with encouraging sales fuelledby positive demand. English and French fruit have benefittedat the handover. Some domestic production has been hitowing to difficult weather patterns at critical stages ofdevelopment and supplies from across the channel arearound the same as last season. Polish blueberry productionwas adversely affected by extremely low temperatures duringthe winter months. Prices of the commodity started to rise asthe season progressed through August. Sales of blueberries inthe UK have created optimism amongst growers andmarketers alike. The dubbing of the fruit as one of the socalled “super foods” has had an impact on consumerperceptions and demand. There were concerns regarding thelevel of UK Blackberry stocks during the 2010 season. Thisresulted in a strategy that incorporated strong promotionalactivity during the current year. The rate of sale has beensustained at a high level and stock issues did not appear to bea problem. Gooseberry sales were completed in the plannedmarketing period. Yields were down as were pack weights butreturns to the producers were satisfactory. It was, as always ashort supply season but retailers’ attitudes are becomingmore positive. They have warmed towards summer soft fruitseeing the category as a generator of turnover. Sales ofRed/Blackcurrants were described as ‘surprisingly good’.Fruit was sold in 250gm units with prices as low as £0.99.Difficult to visualise what the final outcome will be forproducers although there are alternatives for fresh.

Soft and Stone Fruit

Supplies of English berries were earlier this year

BERRIES and CURRANTS

English plums in season

Blackcurrants - not all for juice

MASTER’S R

8

The last three months have been very busy providing yourMaster with endless new insights into the role of the City ofLondon Corporation and the breadth and range of expertiseavailable within our own Livery.

I shall elaborate but before I do so I would like to reiterate the heartfeltthanks that I gave in my recent speech at the Summer Court Dinner. Myyear so far has been a wonderful experience and that has been madepossible by the support I have received from members of the Livery. Iwould like to thank my Wardens and all those on the Master’sCommittee and the Court for helping to guide me in the right direction.I would also thank all those who serve or have served on the AwardsCouncil, the Advisory Panel and our sub Committees, Finance andMembership and Communications. They all play such an important partin the smooth running of the Livery.Add to them the Company Officers and those who contribute to thisNewsletter, deliver our fruit to the needy, organise our golf society andhelp in so many other ways and we can count ourselves most fortunate.Finally I would like to thank all the wives and partners for the support

they give by attending our dinners and numerous other events. You havebeen wonderful and I do hope you get the chance to read this.So what have I been doing? Along with our Wardens and other

members of the Livery I attended the Election of the two Sheriffs at theGuildhall. This is an important date in the Calendar and all Liverymenare encouraged to attend particularly on their first opportunity. This yearthere were four candidates for two places and the result of the poll byshow of hands was disputed and an additional poll had to be held twoweeks later. Alderman Alan Yarrow and Wendy Mead were elected. TheUpper Warden is to be congratulated for just making it on time in spiteof incurring a painful fall on the way. She knew the importance of beingthere regardless!

I never knew that the Sheriffs spend a year as residents at the OldBailey (the Central Criminal Court). The City of London Corporation ownand maintain the Old Bailey. The Lord Mayor is the Chief Magistrate ofthe City of London and the Sheriffs are his representatives. As Master Iwas invited by Sheriff Richard Sermon to join him for lunch with just oneother guest. Every working day lunch is held for the 18 judges andguests are invited. Lunch starts promptly at 1.00 and finishes at 1.50.The conversation is good, the meal is light (it has to be) and thistradition of hospitality is admirable and good P.R. After the meal I wasinvited to sit in on a case.Somewhat differently, the Fruiterers support St. Bartholomew’s

Hospital and I was invited to their ‘View Day’. This was initiated some460 years ago to review the activities of the hospital over the past yearand to consider improvements for the future. Today it is an opportunityto thank benefactors. A service is held in the historic and rather specialSt. Bartholomew the Great and is attended by the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs

and most of the Livery Masters fully dressed in their gowns.Refreshments were provided in the Great Hall and afterwards we wereshown the very latest in cancer treatment – the Cyber-knife - whichprovides revolutionary radiotherapy to treat conditions which wouldotherwise be inoperable.

Lesley and I felt very privileged to be a part of the Lord Mayor’s visitto New Spitalfields Market. He was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress,Sheriffs and their spouses. The visit was hosted by Liveryman ChrisHutchinson, Chairman of the Tenants’ Association. It was one of thosespecial occasions when you know that a lot of planning has gone intothe day but equally there was a real feeling of informality which gave usan opportunity to mix with the dignitaries as well as fellow Liverymen,traders and other guests. Spitalfields is obviously booming with thehighest turnover and number of stands in the country, making it theUK’s leading horticultural market.The occasion was particularly special because of the Lord Mayor’s

strong relationship with Spitalfields, having being closely involved in therelocation and building of the new market.Moving on to Fruiterers’ activities, I am indebted to Past Master

Donald Cryan for suggesting that I contact Dr. Clare Ryder who is theArchivist at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Clare organised a wonderfulvisit for us at the end of April. We ate sandwiches and drank fizz in theold dungeons which were used for common criminals, not the bettersort! Clare showed us some spectacular documents including a bookwith references to fruit growing and hops which certainly impressed PastMaster Redsell. We were then given an excellent tour of St. George’s

The Central Criminal Court - home of the Sheriffs

Examining Ancient Documents at Windsor

Cyber-knife; and advance in cancer treatment

REFLECTIONS

9

Chapel by the Military Knights. It was just as well that some of us couldstay on for Evensong as we were given a special prayer for the Livery.The Master’s Day is mentioned elsewhere in this Newsletter but I

would like to acknowledge the exceptional generosity of LiverymanChristopher Mack in allowing 80 of us to visit Thanet Earth. Visitors arenot usually welcome for reasons of enforcing strict hygiene control butChris, the Fresca team and two of the growers gave us a wonderfulwelcome and a fascinating tour of this vast high tech glasshousegrowing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. At a time of diminishingresources in terms of land, water and energy, Thanet Earth provides avery bold and innovative model of how to produce food in a sustainableand highly productive way.

The Royal Bath and West Show gave me the chance to observe thestrength of the cider industry, let alone the drink! The event is written upelsewhere but Lesley and I were very fortunate to be taken round somecider orchards the next day. They ranged from the very latest to moretraditional but we were told that over 8,000 acres have been planted inthe last few years and that almost 45% of all apples grown in the UK goto the cider industry. From a grower’s point of view it sounded ratherattractive. First of all link in with one of the cider producers who mayhelp you buy your trees. Technological support will be provided. Youagree a contract with fixed prices. You must maintain the orchard withpruning and spraying but there is no thinning and harvesting is simple.The apples are harvested by machine and the fruit carted away in lorriesand the apples then become the responsibility of the cider company.However I am quite sure that it is not as simple as that!I was also invited to attend a Bulmers’ Cider growers day. This was a

very impressive event with some 200 growers being shepherded aroundone of the Bulmer’s Farms, ‘Martley’. It provided the ideal opportunity topresent the Fruiterers’ Management Award to Robert Holloway whomanages some of the farms as well as providing technical advice tomany of their growers. He is basically responsible for some 10,000 tonsof apples This was another useful opportunity to

strengthen the Fruiterers links with the ciderindustry and its apple growers. I was ably assistedby two invaluable guides, Liverymen Ian Adamsand Graham Collier.I was asked by Liveryman Paul Kelsey to be a

judge at the National Cherry and Soft Fruit Showheld in July at Detling. As a cherry grower I wasnot allowed to judge cherries but workedalongside Liveryman William Pierce sorting outthe soft fruit and other fruit classes. I must saythat the Cherry display was truly excellent and awonderful showcase. There were two TV groupseither filming or doing research for

documentaries on cherries. The Fruiterers present an Award andDiploma for the Best Cherry exhibit and best Soft Fruit exhibit. This yearit was won by Past Master Tony Redsell. I noted that no less than 7 of the9 judges happened to be Fruiterers as were the Chairman and ViceChairman of the Show as well as one of the two Chief Stewards.Much of the Fruiterers’ charitable work is channelled through the

Awards Council. This year will see the completion of our support for theexcellent Food Dudes programme and this has meant that there areadditional funds available for the various research projects that we areasked to support. On the Council we have two professors and threePhDs with exceptional backgrounds in horticulture and management.This august body is further complemented by top quality growers, whichmeans all projects are professionally reviewed.In addition to the research projects there are travel bursaries. Travel

expenses for some of the overseas speakers at this year’s Fruit FocusConference were funded by the Awards Council. The Conferencefocussed on one of the key issues of the day – how to cut labour costsby using machinery.Prizes are also awarded to horticultural students and I was delighted

to be asked to Hadlow College to present the Fruiterers Award to amature student, Victor Coleman, reading a BSc. in Horticulture whileundertaking work experience with one of the Fruit Marketing Groups.Liveryman Mark Lumsdon-Taylor showed me round the College and Iwas delighted to see that they have recently planted a 5 acre appleorchard linked with a real determination to work with local growers whilebuilding their commercial fruit side.The Fruiterers have agreed to continue to support Nuffield

Horticultural Scholarships. This is excellent news because those whohave been scholars describe the experience as life changing. We areparticularly pleased that one such scholar, Chris Newenham, is now aFreeman of the Livery. All our past scholars have been invited to theMaster and Wardens Dinner later this year and John Stone from theNuffield Scheme as well as Chris have been asked to speak at theDinner.

Robert Holloway receives the Farm Manager’s Award from our Master

Inside Planet Earth

Hadlow College

Keen amateur gardeners can now getexpert training in fruit tree husbandryafter the East Malling Trust announced it

is to start providing specialist courses.

Thanks to East Malling Short Courses,gardening enthusiasts can now get tutoring onhow to plant and establish fruit trees andbushes, as well as seasonal pruning. For themore adventurous amateur gardener there willalso be a workshop on grafting.

Participants will also be able to learn how to bestmanage a fruit crop in a small area, how tocontrol tree growth and what to do when thingsappear to get out of hand.

East Malling Short Courses is delivering theworkshops at the Hatton Fruit Garden, formerlypart of the kitchen garden of the Grade 1 listedBradbourne House in East Malling. Plantings inthe Hatton Fruit Garden were inspired by thefruit plantings in Louis XIV kitchen garden atVersailles. The fruit trees have been trained andpruned over many decades to produce amyriad of designs, including cordons, espaliers,goblets, pyramids, fans, arches, crowns, lebateau and arcure forms.

For many years East Malling has receivedenquiries from members of the public, whoknew of the scientific expertise at East MallingResearch, and who wanted hands-on training inmanaging fruit trees. In response to thisdemand, a series of short courses have beendeveloped specifically for the amateurenthusiast.

The Winter 2010/11 programme offers thefollowing courses-

Winter Pruning

How to Plant and Establish Fruit Trees andBushes

Grafting for beginners

These largely practical workshops willconcentrate mainly on top fruit varieties such asapples and pears. You will find out how to makethe most of your garden and how you canproduce a good crop of juicy fruit in a smallarea.

Winter PruningYou will learn the basic principles of pruning andenable you to prune with confidence. Thiscourse will complement the summer pruningcourse and add valuable knowledge to enableall year round care of your trees.

It will cover:Why pruneWinter v summer pruningMajor pruning systemsEquipmentTree FormationEssential tips and trade secrets

A light lunch will be provided as well asrefreshments during the day.

How to Plant andEstablish Fruit Trees and

BushesThis course will give you an understanding oftop and bush fruit production and how andwhen to undertake various tasks needed togrow fruit trees in your garden.

It will coverHow and what to plant.Tree control, pruning and other methods.Varieties and pollinationA light lunch will be provided as well asrefreshments during the day.

Grafting

This course will include both demonstrationand practical activities.You will learn how to

graft your own treegraft in pollinator brancheschange the varieties on a treeperform a tree repair

A light lunch will be provided as well asrefreshments during the day.

Winter Pruning

These pruning courses will take place in theHatton Fruit Garden; formerly the walledkitchen gardens of the Grade 1 listedBradbourne House which is now the base of theEast Malling Trust

Cost £75Includes a light lunch and refreshments11th Nov 2011, 18th Nov 2011, 27th Jan 2012and 3rd Feb 20129:30 am to 3:30 pm

How to Plant andEstablish Fruit Trees

and BushesThis course will include a tour of Hatton FruitGarden.

Cost £65Includes a light lunch and refreshments2nd Dec 2011 10am to 3.30pm

GraftingCourse materials will be provided andparticipants are invited to bring a sample ofwood they would like to graft. A free sample ofwax and tape will be provided to enable graftingto be carried out at home.

Cost £110Includes a light lunch and refreshments9th March 2012

The number of delegates on each of thecourses is limited. To reserve a place on any ofthe above courses or for more informationplease call Fran Gallwey on 01732 523755 oremail: fran.gallwey@emr.ac.uk

Courses for the Amateur Gardener

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Courses for the Amateur Gardener

A fruit arch in blossom

A view of Hatton

Fine example of fan training

Bradbourne House

The Royal Bath & West of EnglandSociety’s 2011 Annual Show atShepton Mallet ran from 1st to4th June. The WorshipfulCompany of Fruiterers, through

their support and sponsorship of theOrchards & Cider Section has beenassociated with the Show since 2000, whenthe then Master Laurence Olins and LionelFrench, the Clerk, visited what is now thebiggest Agricultural Show in England. TheSociety, which is the oldest such agriculturalinstitution in the Commonwealth, had takenan active interest in improvements toorcharding and cidermaking since itscreation in 1777 and, indeed, was one of thefounders of the National Fruit and CiderInstitute (later the Long Ashton ResearchStation) in 1904. Times had changed andthe Master was faced with a small display ofless than a dozen ciders, housed at one endof the Bees and Honey tent. This was thefirst year that a small group of orchardowners and cider makers, wishing to reversethe decline, had put together anindependent display in the adjacentShowerings Orchard. Foot and Mouthdisease led to the cancellation of the 2001Show but the group survived and, in 2002,set up its own cider competition with classesmore attuned to the market. In 2002 theFruiterers offered to sponsor Orchards &Cider but it was not until 2003, when theOrchards & Cider Group took fullresponsibility for all cider competitions, thata very handsome Loving Cup, the Fruiterers’Cup, was first presented by the Company tothe Supreme Champion in Show. Thisbacking from a London Livery Company,growing recognition within the Industry, apenchant for self advertisement and arealisation by the Executive that the CiderBar was beginning to make serious moneywhich was not going into the Society’scoffers, led to the group’s adoption as a fullyfledged Section of the Royal Bath and West.In 10 years, the Cider, Perry and Apple JuiceCompetition has become the biggest in thecountry, with over 400 entrants this year,including 50 in the three apple juice classesand 20 from overseas in the InternationalClass. Having presented the most prestigious

cup in the competition, it was inevitable thatthe Master of the day should come to theShow, not just for its presentation but also totake part in the final stage of the competitionwhen the winners of each cider classcompete for the top spot.And that is why Sandys Dawes, our

Master, accompanied by both Upper andRenter Warden, led a team of some 25Fruiterers to the West Country on Thursday2nd June this year. Fixed events in theprogramme are the judging, which is done inpublic for all to see, luncheon for about 60people in the Council Tent, prize giving in theafternoon and a Reception in the Orchards& Cider Pavilion in the evening. After that itis a simple question of a 150 mile carjourney to Kent (Shepton Mallet to Detling)or dinner in the Manor pub, Ditcheat,followed by a decent night’s sleep and aleisurely start on Friday morning. There is, of course, much more to

Orchards & Cider than just the cidercompetition. The Section’s objectives,following those of the Society itself, arebased on encouraging excellence andinnovation in orcharding and cidermaking,promoting the industry and informing thepublic, dovetailing nicely with the work of theLivery. They embrace support for education,research and development, not least in theabsence of Long Ashton, where thePomology and Food & Drink Divisions wereshut in 1981. One O&C CommitteeMember, who is also a Liveryman, currentlysits on the Fruiterers’ Awards Council, whichfor a number of years, has also sponsoredplaces on cider making and orchardingcourses. In turn, the Clerk has a place on theO&C Committee. The links with the NationalAssociation of Cider Makers, whothemselves conduct trials and followdevelopments in the wider top fruit industry,are close, as are those with East MallingResearch, which takes a stand and puts on adisplay of some of their work. For the firsttime this year, located next to the Companydisplay, there was a stand, set up by theTrust’s South West Chairman, promoting theNuffield Scholarship Scheme. Also new wasthe Ray Williams Marquee, named after adistinguished Long Ashton pomologist andopened by HRH The Countess of Wessex inthe presence of Ray’s widow and family.During the Show this marquee, in additionto its displays and videos, hosted adiscussion with a DEFRA Minister, meetingswith apple growers and vineyard owners,

talks on cider history, one-on-one advice topractitioners and a panel discussion, thatincluded the Chairman of the House ofLords EFRA Committee, on “Cider R&D –What next?” For the Liverymen who were present this

year, there was plenty to see and do withinthe Pavilion and the Orchard. Graftingdemonstrations, Tutored Cider Tasting,Cider Masterclasses, Cider and Apple JuiceClinics, apple juice from Somerset Orchards(a cooperative producing juice from ciderapples, set up following a meeting at whichLiveryman Hugh Lowe had spoken mosteloquently), the opportunity to see and buy awide range of juicing and cidermakingequipment, a display on the Dorset CiderApple research project (which has trackeddown traditional local varieties at risk ofbeing lost), a bookstall (two new volumeswere launched during the Show), theConfederation Jazz Band and theWoodlanders Traditional cider makingdemonstration. All this within a much largerarea and a huge choice of things to do forvisitors of all ages.A highlight of the day was undoubtedly the

visit by the Countess of Wessex, whosecharm and interest in and knowledge ofagricultural and rural matters has led to ahugely successful and popular term as ShowPresident. Her Royal Highness presented themajor trophies. The Fruiterers Cup for theSupreme Champion went to JulianTemperley, for his bottle fermented cider, amethod of making cider invented by aGloucestershire farmer, which many yearslater, was adopted by the French for thedrink we now call Champagne. Liverymenmay remember Julian from the Dinner atwhich his Somerset Cider Brandy was servedand so it was particularly appropriate that theWorshipful Company of Coopers’ Cask forCider Craftsmanship was awarded this yearto Tim Edwards, the cider brandy distiller.The third Livery Company trophy, presentedby the Worshipful Company of Pewterers,was won by Barry Topp of New Forest Cider,

11

HRH Duchess of Wessex presents JulianTemperley with the Fruiterers’ Cup

Fruiterers take a tripto the West Country

A Trio of Masters with their Company Awards

HRH The Duchess of Wessex admires the Master’s badge of office

ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW 2011

Kingswood Captain –Kevin Newman – receivesa basket of fruit presentedby PM Ivor Robins

12

New Golfing Society Secretary – Andrew Poulton’s “Call to Arms”circular worked well with a record attendance of 49 golfers atKingswood on 5 May with an extra four to lunch.

Last year, after 21 years sterling service as Secretary, David Hohnendecided that he wanted to step down. Andrew, on behalf of the Societypresented him with a gift of a George Jenson fruit bowl to commemoratethe work he has undertaken and to thank him for the precise notes andsound financial position that the Society enjoys.The Kingswood course was in fantastic condition with parts of 8th and

9th a riot of Azalea and Rhododendrons bloom - we could have been inAugusta! The Kingswood Captain’s charity fared well, as there was a finefor visiting any bunker on the first nine holes. Liverymen and guests alikefound them frequently.The lunch was as usual, most enjoyable, and was enhanced by a

generous gift of Jersey Royals from Ivor Robins.Prizes were themed by Janice Poulton on summer fun with picnic

hampers, drinks tumblers, champagne flutes, cocktail shakers & glassesplus some smoked salmon.Colin Tenwick won the Barton Cup from “B” division with 39 points.

The incoming secretary Andrew won “A” division and the Ladies prize waswon by a guest, Juliet Roberts.Our Master attended and shared refreshments with all at the half way

hut and after walking the last 9 holes and lunch presented the prizes.There was an auction arranged by Ivor and Sue Robins which raised £530for Fruiterers Fruit Gifting Charity.Everyone is looking forward to the 2012 event and in the meantime

there will be a golf match with other Livery companies at The Addingtonon Tuesday 27th September.

Judges Nick Bradstock, Lord Fellowes, Andrew Lea, Henry Chevalier-Guild & Sandys Dawes

The Clerk chats to a Steward at the Reception

Fruiterers’ Golf Day at Kingswood

ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW 2011

Outgoing Acting Secretary David Hohnenreceives a ‘Thank You’ from Andy Poulton

Terry Ogborn winner of best 9 holesAndrew Poulton receives 1st Prize inDivision A from the Master

also possibly familiar to the Livery from the day in 2006 when theMaster presented fruit to the Lord Mayor in Borough Market, whereBarry has long has a stand. Sadly, the Army and Stockmen had prior claims on her time and

HRH was unable to join us at the Orchards & Cider Reception. Forthose who did, there was cheese to eat, cider to drink, a welcome byLord King of Bridgwater, Honorary Cidermaster and recent LiveryDinner speaker, whose Discovery single variety apple juice earnedhim a third prize, and a production of “King Alfred and the Viking”performed by the Langport Mummers. The play was closely watchedby the Master’s fellow cider judge, Lord Fellowes of Downton Abbeyfame. Who knows what his next book or television series will contain? A few years ago, an editorial in the Fruit Grower stated that the

Royal Bath & West was the third leg of a fruit industry triangle, theother two being Fruit Focus and the National Fruit Show. TheWorshipful Company of Fruiterers can take justifiable pride in theirpart in making that possible. The Show is also a very jolly day out.Recommended for 2012.

Honorary Assistant and Steward Rupert Best makes an announcement

(Article submitted by Rupert Best)

There were fears that cherryentries would be down thisyear owing to the very earlyseason. These concerns,however, were unfounded and

there was a superb show of Englishcherries. The entries only marginally downon 2010.We were honoured by the presence of

the Master among the judges. This wasthe first time in recent years that this hasoccurred.The Company medal for the cherry

exhibit which has the “greatest merithaving regard to all the circumstances”was won by Messrs. T G Redsell Ltd with atray of Penny. This entry also won the St Michael cup for the best basket ofcherries “combining outstanding flavourand appearance”. Penny is a variety bredat East Malling.The “Champion” basket was an entry of

Kordia shown by Lower Hope farm fromHerefordshire. This variety originates fromthe Czech Republic and is a late largeblack cherry with anexcellent flavour.Strawberry entries were

not as numerous as in thepast. Whether this wasbecause of a shortage offruit or lack of growerenthusiasm is not clear.Liveryman Kelsey, the showchairman, won the cup formost points in theStrawberry & Soft Fruitclasses. He also entered thewinning Market Pack ofStrawberries and won thecup for the best EverbearerStrawberry.There was a wide variety

of other soft and stone fruit,including apricots, plums,blackcurrants, red currants,raspberries, blueberries and

blackberries. A magnificent entry ofblackberries, exhibited by J. Myatt, wonthe Fruiterers’ medal for the Soft Fruitclasses.A feature of the show was a power point

presentation showing how commercialfruit growing is carried on today. The ideafor this came from P.M. Bryant who wasalso among the cherry show prizeswinners.

13

KENT Cherry & Soft Fruit ShowKENT Cherry & Soft Fruit Show

Tony Redsell, Fruiterers’ Medal Winner with his entries Penny and SweetheartPaul Kelsey, Show Chairman and Cup Winner

demonstrates his software

The Master at the Show in judging mode

�

Guarding the Bramley Bush

An amusing 1934 Long Ashton pen & inkcartoon that arrived on the Editor’s desk fromPast Master Alan French via Celia Steven and LizCopas.

14

As I was walking with the dog through the orchardsneighbouring our house in Kent on the 29th of July, I wasamazed to see that the first apples were being picked, so

unseasonably early. I pondered on the fact that there are so manyvarieties of the fruit and wondered where the first applesoriginated, and when. It must be a fruit of great antiquity. It is,after all, the first fruit to be mentioned in the Bible and justly socelebrated in our Arms and our badges.Apples are well known to be easily hybridised and it had once

been thought that the different sub-species had mutated fromwild crab apples; but Dr Barrie Juniper used gene sequencing totrace the origins of desert apples to the Malus sieversii family,which is found uniquely in the Tain Sin Mountains in Kazakhstanon the border with China. It is thought that this first wild sweetapple was spread by bears (a charming thought) and, later, byhorses.

The remote area inwhich the few remainingtrees are found is now aUnited Nations conser -vation area. It is fortunatethat any have survived atall. The deprivationcaused to Kazakhstanafter its annexation by theUnion of Soviet SocialistRepublics in 1920 and thefollowing decades of

centrally controlled intensive farming resulted in the loss ofalmost all these apple trees.The area is difficult to travel to; but perhaps one day an

enterprising Liveryman will venture there and bring us back areport of how well the apple is surviving, and what it tastes like. For more information, Dr Juniper’s book, The Story of the

Apple, is recommended. Dr Juniper is the Emeritus Reader inplant sciences at the University of Oxford. I fear that there is agood number of Liverymen who will not agree with me; but I havefound the aphorism, emphatically delivered by Missee Lee, theeponymous heroine of Arthur Ransome’s greatest novel forchildren: “Cambridge for scholarship; Oxford for marmalade”, tobe generally true. Dr Juniper’s work is an exception to this!

(Article supplied by Steve Bodger)

The Birthplace of the Apple

NEW FREEMEN

AT AUDIT COURT

Chris Newenham, JohnRadcliffe and DominicWeaver

AT SUMMER COURT

Timothy Barnes and DavidBarker

NEW LIVERYMEN

AT AUDIT COURT

Caroline Coleman, DavidKnight and Oliver Tant

AT SUMMER COURT

Chris Bishop, Jane Hasell-McCosh, John Radcliffeand Andy Russell.

NEW FREEMEN AND NEW LIVERYMEN

John Radcliffe & Dominic Weaver

Liveryman Peter Wilkin withChris Newenham

New Liverymen at Summer Court

The Tain Sin Mountain RangeMalus sieversii

OBITUARYKenneth Malcolm Muir

Ken Muir, or KM as he was known tothose who were close to him, passedaway in hospital after a short illness onthe 20th June. Over his 60 yearsexperience in the industry, growingsoft and top fruit, he established areputation as a doyen in his field. Bornand raised in central London, he hadthree brothers who entered the hotelbusiness. Ken however, went againstthe trend buying a farm, ‘ Honeypot’,which was 30 acres and cost £3,500,

at Weeley Heath near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. This hedeveloped and cherished during his long career. He wonthe Garden Media Guide Lifetime Achievement Award in2007 and was known for pioneering ‘pick your own’ andintroducing strawberries into Marks & Spencer. HisCompany’s staggering displays at Chelsea won him 13Gold Medals. But he will probably be best remembered forhis mail order business and his book ‘Grow Your Own Fruit’which has been updated many times and is regarded bymany as the definitive treatise on the subject. Kenmaintained a wealth of knowledge in his mind and waspassionate about fruit growing and inspiring enthusiastsand future generations on the subject. When interviewed forradio in 2001, the year he retired, one of his memorablequotes was “never leta weed see twoSundays”. He be-came a Fruiterer in1989. Our thoughtsand condolences goout to his family andcompany colleagues.

New Liverymen at Audit Court

15

WHAT TO SAVOUR!Coming up…

Castle Howard has been voted asthe Historic Houses Association Gardenof the Year. A visit to this magnificentedifice, described as one of England’sgreatest baroque mansions, has beenarranged for Thursday 8th September.This was the film set for BridesheadRevisited but the gardens will be theattraction for the Fruiterers’ excursion.Details have been circulated with wives,husbands and partners being welcome.

The Election of the Lord Mayor willtake place at Common Hall to be heldat the Guildhall on Monday 3rdOctober. Fruiterers who are eligible toattend will receive instructions from theClerk on how to obtain an entrancedocket. This historic City ceremony iswell worth attending for its pageantryand significance. Liverymen will notethat the event appears in bold type onthe back of the Livery List and have aduty to attend.

A Carvery Luncheon has beenorganised at the Butchers’ Hall forWednesday 12th October. Numbers

are restricted and it is recommendedthat those wishing to attend shouldmake application as soon as advice isreceived. Sub-Committee Meetings willbe held during the same afternoon andthe Luncheon provides an idealopportunity, for members of thosegroups, to meet for discussion on amore informal basis before adjourningfor the meetings proper.

The Kent Showground at Detlingis the location for the National FruitShow to be held on Wednesday 19th

and Thursday 20thOctober. This is theannual showcase for the British top fruitindustry and is well worth a visit towitness a dynamic, fast movingagricultural enterprise at its best. Inaddition to apples and pears there arestands that specialise in other fruits,nuts and crops. It is a relaxed,educational experience for those whowish to get up to speed with events inthe business that the Fruiterers arecommitted to support. Liverymen whoare not involved in fruit growing shouldnot feel intimidated. There will be manyfriendly faces, several of whom will befellow Fruiterers, who will answerquestions and guide you through themaze of displays.

On Friday 21st October theCompany will be graciously received atthe Mansion House for Presentation ofFruit to the Lord Mayor. For security

purposes it is essential that a ticket ofadmission is obtained. Details will becirculated well in advance. Followingofficial proceedings there will be aLuncheon held in the Guildhall forwhich applications will have to be made.

Barber-Surgeons’ Hall will be thevenue for the Master & WardensDinner to be held during the evening ofThursday 10th November. This is thelast formal dinner of the calendar yearand with Yuletide on the horizon has asomewhat festive feel. We are fortunateto be able to dine in this magnificenthall. Details will be circulated in goodtime.

The Lord Mayor’s Show will beheld, as is customary, on the secondSaturday of November, in the City ofLondon. This wonderful parade of floatsis worthwhile observing from apavement or other vantage point, tobenefit from the tremendousatmosphere that is generated. Muchbetter than watching on TV! TheFruiterers are not participating in 2012but many other Liveries will be. A funday is guaranteed on 12th November.

The Fruiterers year comes full cycleand starts again with the St Paul’s DayService held at St Mary Abchurch onWednesday 25th January 2012 at 12noon. After the service there will be aluncheon at the Innholders’ Hall.

Butchers’ Hall

National Fruit Show Exhibits

Fruiterers — Lord Mayor’s Show

Presentation of Fruit to the Lord Mayor

Election of Lord Mayor

Castle Howard

St Mary Abchurch

Published by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers: Clerk Lt Col (Retired) L. G. French, Chapelstones, 84 High Street, Codford St Mary, Warminster, Wilts BA12 0ND

Editor: Richard BrightenPrinted by DC Graphics, Drury Lane, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9BJ. Tel: 01424 720072. Fax: 01424 434086

16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Editor wishes to thank the following for their valuable contributions to this Newsletter. Adrian Barlow, JennyBartlett, Berry World Ltd., (Dave Ashton & Emma Parsons), Rupert Best, Steve Bodger (Immediate Past Master),David Bryant, Peter Cooper, Sandys Dawes (The Master), Gerry Edwards, EMR (Sally Flanagan) Alan French, LionelFrench (The Clerk), Brian Lovelidge, Gerard Lyons, Andrew Poulton, Sarah Randell, Tony Redsell and Will Sibley.

Liveryman SARAH RANDELL, Food Editorof the J Sainsbury Magazine, will be marriedto Matthew Whitworth at St. Brides FleetStreet, (the Journalists’ Church), on 17th

September, with the receptionbeing held at the ChelseaPhysic Garden. Sarah is aregular contributor to theNewsletter, with herRecipes, and we lookforward to seeing picturesof the happy event in thenext edition.

CONGRATULATIONS

A WELCOME GIFT ALL THE YEAR ROUND

fruit-baskets.co.uk0845 600 8417

FRUITBASKETS

BAKED TOFFEE APPLESServes 4 Ingredients4 British Gala, Braeburn or Cox’s apples, core4 tbsp chopped dried apricots4 tbsp chopped cobnutszest of a large lemon3 tbsp light soft brown sugar2 tbsp apple juiceFor the sauce75g butter125g light soft brown sugar4 tbsp double creamProcedure1. Pre-heat the oven to 200C 180Cfan, gas 6. Put the apples in a

shallow baking dish.2. Mix the apricots, cobnuts, lemon zest and sugar in a bowl. Fill

each apple with a quarter of the mixture; sprinkle any leftoverinto the dish. Drizzle with the apple juice. Bake for 20 minutes.

3. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small pan and bring tosimmering point, stirring.

4. After the 20 minutes, pour the sauce over the apples. Bake fora further 15-20 minutes.

Sarah Randell

CITY OF LONDON BRIEFINGSFor any Liveryman who has not atten deda City of London Briefing and is in twominds whether to apply ask a fellowFruiterer who has attended. You willalways receive a very positive res ponsebecause the evening provides an inter -esting and valu able insight into theworkings of the City. They are aimedparticularly at new Freemen andLiverymen, but wives, husbands and

partners are also welcome. Liverymen and Freemen of longerstanding who have not previously been to a Briefing are alsoencouraged to attend. The dates of the 2011 briefings are givenhere. They will be held at the Innholders’ Hall.

They are:- Mon 19th October and Tue 1st November

Application should be made atwww.liverycommitteecourses.org.uk

Innholders’ Hall venue for City Briefings 2010